No more pines!
Forests planted for carbon credits are permanently locking up NZ’s landscapes, and could land us with more carbon costs, says the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE).
THE FREE Trade Agreement negotiated with Korea will cut $65 million in tariffs in its first year alone.
Korea is New Zealand six largest export destination, worth about $1.7 billion a year, with two way trade worth $4 billion.
Duties on New Zealand's current exports to Korea will be largely eliminated within 15 years after the FTA comes into force.
New Zealand and Korea will now complete domestic processes to ratify the FTA and bring it into force. A call for public submissions on the FTA will be made by the New Zealand Parliament as part of the ratification process.
Trade Minister Tim Groser has welcomed the announcement on the successful conclusion of negotiations with the Republic of Korea on a Free Trade Agreement.
"Korea is one of New Zealand's biggest and most important trading partners," says Groser.
"The FTA will deliver real economic benefits for both our countries. It will create more opportunities for our business and will deliver cheaper products to consumers. It's a win-win agreement.
"There are positive outcomes for agricultural exports, as well as the forestry sector, the fisheries industry and exporters of all industrial goods. Government procurement, trade in services and investment are all subject to high quality commitments."
Further information is available at www.mfat.govt.nz/nzkoreafta
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) awards. As part of a series looking at this year’s rural winners, Leo Argent talked with Ginny Dodunski, winner of the Veterinary Impact Award for raising the profile of the Wormwise programme.
Recently two of New Zealand's top Maori sheep and beef farms held field days as part of the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy competition. The two are: Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust, northeast of Whangarei, and the proprietors of Tawapata Onenui farm on Mahia Peninsula in southern Hawke's Bay. Reporter Peter Burke attended both field days.
The New Zealand hemp industry is hoping for quick and comprehensive reform of its legislative framework after a recent "historic" visit to sites in Canterbury by a big group of politicians, officials and industry stakeholders.
Resolving rural sector disputes constructively, fairly and with long-term outcomes in mind will top the agenda at a gathering of experts in Hamilton next month.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
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